Author Archives: Dan Lentell

EdFringe Talk: Crying Shame

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“The festival is so massive it can often feel quite lonely, like you’re lost in the crowd – so hopefully our show ‘Crying Shame’, a wild sparkly cabaret all about loneliness, will connect our audiences and help people feel like part of the Fringe community.”

WHO: Conor Dumbrell

WHAT: “Step inside Club Fragilé for a cabaret-show-cum-wellness-journey all about loneliness. In a dusty dreamscape you’ll encounter washed-up cabaret acts, filthy lip-syncs and a joyous celebration of queer culture, as these camp clowns try – and possibly fail – to connect with you (I know, how embarrassing). You might be lonely, but you’re definitely not alone. Devised by emerging queer theatre collective Sweet Beef, who work to explore socio-political issues with a healthy dose of audience interaction and comedy. Recipient of the Pleasance’s Charlie Hartill Fund 2024.”

WHERE: Pleasance Dome – King Dome (Venue 23) 

WHEN: 21:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been up to EdFringe twice before, in 2017 and 2019 so I’m very excited to see what’s changed since the pandemic. Apparently, the greatest bagel shop in the world, Elephants and Bagels, has closed down so I’ll be on the hunt for new spots for lunch. It’s Sweet Beef’s first Fringe as a company and we’re buzzing to be heading up with Pleasance as winners of their Charlie Hartill Fund. Fringe has the most magical atmosphere, the whole city is overflowing with brilliant shows all day and all night and you’re guaranteed to bump into a friendly face wherever you go. But the festival is so massive it can often feel quite lonely, like you’re lost in the crowd – so hopefully our show ‘Crying Shame’, a wild sparkly cabaret all about loneliness, will connect our audiences and help people feel like part of the Fringe community.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

We’ve learnt how to do glossy, glittery clown make-up that doesn’t sweat off for a whole hour of dancing. We learnt how to make promenade performances too. The show was originally commissioned by Stanley Arts in Croydon as part of the London Borough of Culture as an immersive cabaret installation, where audiences were guided through the crumbling dreamscape of Club Cabaret Fragilé. It was a huge design with bathtubs and bubble wrap and discos and we’re currently figuring out how to fit it all into Pleasance King Dome. It’s a mammoth task but we’re definitely trying to learn adaptability! Plus we’ve been learning how to inject as much humour as possible into our shows. The production dives into rough topics like loneliness, isolation and shame and we’ve discovered that best way to tackle them is head-on with humour and showstopping Britney numbers rather than getting stuck under a melancholic raincloud.

Tell us about your show.

Our show is called ‘Crying Shame’. It’s a cabaret-tyle theatre piece all about loneliness packed full of audience interaction, lip-syncs, dancing, confetti, clowns and biscuits. It’s was devised by us at Sweet Beef, Pleasance’s London Associate Artists, and won the Charlie Hartill Award 2024 and is supported by the Keep It Fringe Fund. We originally met at LAMDA and devised a show called ‘I Hate It Here’, about zero-hours contracts, that toured the UK to 5-star reviews. We’ve since expanded and work with loads of new creatives, performers and theatre-makers, running workshops and sharing our work all over the country. For ‘Crying Shame’ we interviewed people of all ages about loneliness and have spun their perspectives into a funny, punchy cabaret show, bursting at the seams with desperation and our performers’ need to be loved.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

We’ve got tonnes of recommendations!

Definitely catch the other Charlie Hartill-winning shows at Pleasance. ‘Duck’ by Two Magpies is filled with hard-hitting hope and ‘For the Love of Spam’ by Sierra Sevilla is so witty and neat and has the friendliest team at the Fringe. Plus they give you free Spam!

If you like the sound of Crying Shame then you’ll love ‘plewds’, Kathrine Payne’s award-winning clown show about a queer relationship gone bad. The show at Summerhall takes weird, unexpected and hilariously dark turns and it’s the perfect subversive Fringe show with a mind-blowingly skilled central performance.

Super excited to see Mark Hannah’s beautiful ode to Edinburgh ‘Athens of the North’ – he’s a properly gifted actor and the show is brilliant.

Can’t wait to soak up loads of comedy too. I’m going to take my mum to see Rose Matafeo’s show ‘On and On and On’ at Pleasance because she is hilarious and we’re obsessed with her TV show Starstruck. It’s the best RomCom series ever – on BBC iPlayer if you’ve not seen it yet. And John Tothill is a comic genius.

Jazzed to see Ugly Sisters by piss/CARNATION too. They won this year’s Untapped Award at Underbelly and their work is so magical and bold and vulnerable.

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EdFringe Talk: Kathleen Hughes: Cryptid!

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“The great thing about the Festival is seeing the inside of so many heads.”

WHO: Kathleen Hughes

WHAT: “Kathleen isn’t sure of anything anymore. She’s not even sure she exists. Cryptid is the dark and hilarious debut hour from Glasgow comic Kathleen Hughes – a show about identity, imperfection and the mortifying ordeal of allowing yourself to be seen. Sort of. ‘A ridiculously talented comic’ (Billy Kirkwood). One of the fastest-rising comedy stars’ (Jay Lafferty).”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter House – Snug (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 16:20 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Nope! This is my third Fringe as a performer, but as I grew up in Glasgow I’ve been going across to the Fringe for a day or two since I was young. I’d like to say it’s a different experience as an adult comedian compared to a wee mini punter, but I’ve never really aged out of it being overwhelming and wildly exciting, or moaning that I’m tired and my feet hurt.

The great thing about the Festival is seeing the inside of so many heads – it’s a whirlwind experience of hearing so many stories and experiences in mad, creative ways.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest thing I’ve learned since 2023 is that collaboration is key. For stand-up especially, there’s always one name, one person on the poster, so it’s easy to assume that it’s all a one-person show, or that it doesn’t ‘count’ if you don’t do everything by yourself. This year I’ve had loads of help from people who’ve done a full run at the Fringe before, giving advice and sharing resources, I’ve had friends and other comics watch WIPs and give feedback, and I’ve reached out to creatives with different skills (like multimedia comedy) to ask for their input.

When you’re creating stuff that’s supposed to be relatable, accessible and inviting, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to create in a vacuum.

Tell us about your show.

Cryptid! is a show about the feeling of hiding yourself and constantly shapeshifting to be what you think people want to see, instead of just letting people see you are you are. As a kid I loved anything paranormal – like aliens, Nessie, Bigfoot – so I tied my fascination for weird spooky nonsense into the chat about identity and self-exploration. Probably an interesting comparison to bring up in therapy.

I love hearing about cryptids from different places, so post-Fringe it would be nice to take the show around the UK and hear about local legends. Maybe I’ll take it to Inverness and have a special guest appearance from Nessie herself (she’s a pure hog for stage time).

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

I’m really proud to have learned how to do stand up in Scotland and I love the scene here. There are so many amazing Scottish circuit acts to see at the Fringe this summer. Watching Kate Hammer perform is like blasting an energy drink, and I’m dead excited to see Jade Kelly and Amanda Dwyer, too. If you’re a film fan, Chris Thorburn’s Cineman is a must. Everything Ruth Hunter says bewilders and delights me in equal measure. Derek Mitchell’s Double Dutch and Sam Lake’s Esmeralda are both brilliant, especially if you feel split between two cultures sometimes.

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EdFringe Talk: Fan/Girl

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“I’d say the main difference in coming as a stage manager vs as a performer is that as a stage manager I get my accommodation paid for!”

WHO: Bryony Byrne

WHAT: “Sparked by a conversation with a childhood friend that unearthed a long-forgotten obsession with football, Bryony wondered why all the girls she knew stopped playing football in their teens. It’s 1998: Geri Halliwell is leaving the Spice Girls, David Beckham is wearing a sarong, and somewhere in England a 10-year-old Bryony is pretending to be Eric Cantona. An absurd and tongue-in-cheek ride through British adolescence set against a backdrop of 90s football and pop. Directed by Fringe First winner Ben Target and packed to the brim with playful audience interaction, 90s bangers, clown comedy and drag.”

WHERE: Summerhall – Demonstration Room (Venue 26) 

WHEN: 12:10 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my third time as a performer, although I’ve been before as a stage manager as well. Fringe is so special because you never know who is going to be in your audience. When you do a show elsewhere, you often rely on your own network to bring audience in – but at the Fringe anyone can find you, which is what makes it so brilliant. It’s also just such a great place to meet other artists and feel inspired. I’d say the main difference in coming as a stage manager vs as a performer is that as a stage manager I get my accommodation paid for!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

This will be my third time as a performer, although I’ve been before as a stage manager as well. Fringe is so special because you never know who is going to be in your audience. When you do a show elsewhere, you often rely on your own network to bring audience in – but at the Fringe anyone can find you, which is what makes it so brilliant. It’s also just such a great place to meet other artists and feel inspired. I’d say the main difference in coming as a stage manager vs as a performer is that as a stage manager I get my accommodation paid for!

Tell us about your show.

The show is based on my own experiences growing up playing football and then being prevented from playing it at secondary school. It’s a tongue-in-cheek ride through a 90s adolescence. It’s very funny and uses a lot of (nice) audience interaction to make us all feel like we’re playing together. I wrote it and I’m self-producing it. It was directed by Ben Target, who I met on a Lab at Soho Theatre. We got Arts Council funding to make the early version of the show, which went to the Fringe in 2022 and also went on a small tour around the US and the UK. It’s since been tweaked and changed and it returns in a slightly new form! I’d love to translate the show, particularly into French and tour it in France and I’m working on a television adaptation as we speak.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

There are SO many great artists to see at Edinburgh this year. Polish clown Piotr Sikora has an amazing show called Furiozo – do not miss it. Lewys Holt is bringing their absurdist standup to the Free Fringe and they’re so charming you’ll be laughing all day. I’m hyped to see Show Pony, about a trio of female circus artists and what happens after 40; I can’t wait to see Katie Greenall’s new show – Katie is an incredible performer. I want to see Revenge: After the Levoyah and Nation and in dance go and see The Passion of Andrea 2 which is like nothing you’ve seen before.

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EdFringe Talk: Tones: A Hip-Hop Opera

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“As a performer, the big issue to contend with is the fact the Edfringe has got more expensive. The inflation on accommodation is a cause of frustration as less shows can stay for the whole duration.”

WHO: Gerel Falconer

WHAT: “A man in a battle with his identity, and on a journey through the depths of Black-British culture, class and belonging. What happens if you’re not black enough for the ends, but too black for the rest of the world? Tones combines the gritty underground sounds of hip-hop, grime and drill with the melodrama of opera to present a piece of gig theatre like no other, as Jerome, aka The Professor, navigates his way through a treacherous path to self-discovery.”

WHERE: ROUNDABOUT @ Summerhall – ROUNDABOUT (Venue 26) 

WHEN: 18:50 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been to Edfringe as few times before as performer and punter there’s so much to explore. From rip-roaring comedy that makes you guffaw, dramas that garner teardrops on the floor and death-defying stunt acts that drop every jaw. Plus the magical backdrop has got an allure!

As a performer, the big issue to contend with is the fact the Edfringe has got more expensive. The inflation on accommodation is a cause of frustration as less shows can stay for the whole duration.
Thoughts of festivals in general? Variety allows the more risk averse to immerse in the unconventional. As a punter, I prefer a multitude of flavours than one style, genre or type of entertainers.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

In regards to life itself. I had diabetes – with Diet and exercise It fell. So the big thing I learnt was prioritising health. Not only physically but mentally as well. Especially when you’re performing a show all by yourself.

I’ve also learnt not to stress when no one takes a flyer as word-of-mouth elevates your show even higher. Trust me, nothing else leaves you more buzzing than “our friends loved it last night, we’ve booked and we’re coming!!!”

What I’ve learnt about Tones?: When you’re on a writing spree, Give yourself time to breathe especially when you rhyme at speed with more words than a library!!! If you’re reading this thinking “I wonder what this guy could mean?” Come and watch Tones and you’ll know as soon as you find you’re seat!

Tell us about your show.

Me and Jonny Kelly have been friends for over a generation. We’d always bring up working together in conversation. He was part of Wound Up before the collaboration. The concept of Tones was the perfect manifestation! I came up with the show struck by inspiration as we both sat down in a pub – to help hydration! Jonny agreed to direct the show – no hesitation and WoundUp agreed to produce it – in jubilation!

I had the story and Matt Greenough helped me develop scenes from April to August for Edinburgh 23’. From there on, I was working endlessly creating day and night to surpass all expectancy, writing rhymes to show the story’s full glory – impeccably! 3D Williams our composer was fundamental once I had structure – he provided the instrumentals.

Thus a beautiful union formed and the show we all know as Tones was born!
I finished a draft by July (congratulations!) But instantly had to cut short the celebrations- memorising 10,000 words in under an hour – requires the brain power of learning a dissertation!
I had only learnt half of it by the first preview – scared the festival would be a glorified read-through. Luckily the Fringe was as smooth as it gets – all went well Tones was truly a success.
We realised we could offer plenty more so upgraded for Edfringe ’24!

We’ll keep the show moving once the Fringe is over. There’s mini-tour in Midlands in October. November you’ll see Tones at Brixton House – you can go on their website for tickets now!

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Our lighting designer Jahmikho and Stage manager Brent Tan are working on a show called For the Love of Spam! How canned meat informs East V West politics sounds like something I really don’t want to miss! Sierra Sevilla writes and performs it. I can guarantee you’ll find me in the audience!

House Of Life is a show I fully recommend – watched it last year and I’m watching it again! Positive, lovely and glorious. You leave the show feeling all types of Euphorias.

From what I’ve already seen, those are my main recommendations. Here are a few more shows that spark fascination:

From what I’ve read, Failure Project, looks like my kind of show, when I’m in Edinburgh I’m gonna make time to go. Plus, I heard great things about Quarter Life Crisis, so I’ve got a feeling I’m really gonna like this!

The concept of being a side character in your own life is intriguing, the poster is sick too, I can’t wait to see Main Character Energy!

The blurb for How I Learnt To Swim had me in deep thought. I wondered how water plays such a big part in our lives. We say we’re in ‘deep water’ when it’s harder to strive or keep your head above water when we try to survive. Water affects us in so many ways! I’m fascinated by the play linking water and race.

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EdFringe Talk: Love’s a Beach

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“The beanbags in our show are farcically big.”

WHO: William Johnston

WHAT: “What happens six months after your five minutes of fame? Cyrus and Ben are the first gay winners of TV’s biggest reality show. They’re 22, have thousands of followers, but now spend most of their days making sponsored content about dog food, and fronting campaigns about adult incontinence. When they’re offered an influencing deal in Dubai, the couple must decide how far they’ll go to cling to celebrity… and at what cost. A smash-hit satire by multi award-winning comedy writers for Netflix and BBC Television. ‘Fantastic play… had me howling with laughter’ (BroadwayWorld.com), from BAFTA-winning Unusual Productions.”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Baby Grand (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 12:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time at Edinburgh Fringe. From what I’ve heard it’s pretty straight forward? You just go up there with a show, it has a sold-out run, you make a tidy profit while simultaneously receiving glistening reviews, you make friends for life, form core, joyous memories, and maybe even meet the life partner of your dreams, then soon after comes the storm of industry buzz around your show, usually resulting in a major television network commissioning you two full series, that when they air, quickly become the perfect balance of cult classic and commercial success. I think that’s how it goes. I mean, we’d settle with the one series.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

We were incredibly fortunate to have our play (Love’s a Beach, Pleasance Baby Grand, @ 12:45pm, shameless promotion, sorry) performed at Soho Theatre as part of their “Rising” programme. It was an incredible experience and a dream for us all. And we learned so much from it too, namely, the beanbags in our show are farcically big and a plague to carry on the Northen line at rush hour. A lesson which maybe didn’t sink in quite as we hoped, as we will be on the 8am Lumo train to Edinburgh in two weeks time, with said oversized beanbags on our laps for five hours.

Tell us about your show.

Katie Sayer and myself co-wrote the play, after seeing an article about an ex Love Island contestant cutting the ribbon on a kebab shop in Coventry. It screamed two things to us: 1) an opportunity to write a satirical play about our influencer culture, and 2) we should go on a night out in Coventry and try the kebab. We are thrilled to be being produced by the incredible Unusual Productions. And for future performances post-Fringe, as long as we can get the beanbags there, we’ll put on a show for you.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

First, you should go and see SORRY (I BROKE YOUR ARMS AND LEGS), at Bunker Three, the character comedy show by James Akka, one of the co-leads of Love’s a Beach. The play is about a school boy and his merciless climb up the school ranks, to the coveted position of Head Boy. We went to see a workshop of the play earlier this year and cannot wait to see the full hour.

A viewing of that should swiftly be followed by a trip to DANISH Ed Fringe, our roomies for the month of Fringe! They have four incredible shows going up, but I’m most excited by Mass Effect. It’s a show of movement and passion, and something different to sink the teeth into at Fringe.

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EdFringe Talk: Wyld Woman: The Legend of Shy Girl

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“YES, this is my first time in Edinburgh! I am certainly terrified and have felt the urge to throw up several times today. But more than that, I am rife with excitement.”

WHO: Isabel Renner

WHAT: “Shy people, you there? This hilarious and tender tale follows Shy Girl’s ambitious attempt to open up (emotionally, spiritually, uh… physically) in hopes of expanding her social life beyond the feeble realm of her imaginary friends and finding real human connection. Following sold-out, highly-beloved runs in NYC, Wyld Woman (written/performed by Isabel Renner, directed by Cameron King) is officially joining the ranks of international legendhood. ‘A great triumph over shyness’ and ‘a powerful catharsis for anyone who has ever crossed the street just to avoid someone they know.’ (BroadwayWorld.com).”

WHERE: Assembly Rooms – Drawing Room (Venue 20) 

WHEN: 16:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time! But I promise I won’t get clingy and text you 82 times a day. I’m not that kind of virgin.

Sorry, that was weird. Starting over.

YES, this is my first time in Edinburgh! I am certainly terrified and have felt the urge to throw up several times today. But more than that, I am rife with excitement – to meet so many other artists, to get inspired by their work, to become dear friends with all of them (oh how I pray). I have never taken part in a festival like this before, but I cannot think of a better place to put on a solo show. It can be quite lonely and vulnerable to be up on stage all by my lonesome, but there are going to be so many people doing the exact same thing. And that pure feeling of camaraderie is all I could ever dream of!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

After some deep thought and honest reflection, I’ve narrowed my lessons of 2023 down to the most impactful ones:

1. If a crush says they don’t like you back, they’re probably not going to change their mind (even if you get a new wardrobe and personality). Have not absorbed. Will keep trying.

2. Best to always wear headphones so people will just think you’re on the phone when you’re talking to yourself on the street (having imaginary arguments, imaginary marriage proposals, etc.). Have absorbed for the most part. Sometimes I still forget to put them on and make a fool of myself.

3. Toothpaste can be a great acne remedy. Have absorbed. Will be bringing extra to Edinburgh (just in case it’s out of stock).

Tell us about your show.

Wyld Woman: The Legend of Shy Girl is a solo show, written and performed by Isabel Renner (that’s me, hi), and directed by Cameron King. It tells the story of Shy Girl, profoundly timid but desperate to be cool, as she attempts to open up enough to make actual friends and find an actual boyfriend and lose her actual virginity, as most of her life until now has been limited to the imaginary realm. She wants more than anything to become a “legend” (AKA a very cool person), but her lack of social skills and excess of sexual ineptitude prove to be quite tricky adversaries.

Alongside beautiful and brazen Cameron (and my beautiful/brazen-in-training self), the team is comprised of absolute legends. We have the hottest DJ in all of NYC, “SHAUNIE”, as the perfect antidote to my uh… awkward energy, and the show is produced by Robin Aren and Sheer Figman, two powerful and precious women who teach me how to be an adult. We have spent over a year workshopping the show in different, often bizarre New York venues (including a stint in the basement of a taco restaurant). But we have been dreaming of taking it to the Fringe all along. I am so new to all of this (doing a solo show, going to Edinburgh, having friends), but this team has been lifting me up throughout the entire process. And that is really the whole point of Wyld Woman – to celebrate the most precious treasure on earth: real human connection!

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

– Abrasion. A dark comedy (written/starring Meg-Rose Dixon) that highlights the inadequacies that are so frequent in gynecological care. This is so important!

– Barbaren Barbies: A Wild Woman Circus. Wild. Woman. Circus. Need I say more?

– Character Flaw. A solo show legend (Philippa Dawson) joyously and smartly exploring the deeply personal worlds of ADHD and queer identity.

– HYPER. Hyperpop and live vocal modulation and trans identity. Literally see you there.

– Ladies Who Ranch. Epic improv from some LEGEND Brooklyn-based comedians. A friend group I yearn to be a part of. (Us Wyld Women are also Brooklyn-based, so we can hang out in Edinburgh or back home or both please!).

– Maeve Press: Failure Confetti. Another Assembly legend who will be unboxing 17 years worth of special education observation reports written about her. Count me in.

– Main Character Energy. I have heard literally nothing but amazingness about this show and the genius that is Temi Wilkey. So ready to give her all the attention she deeply deserves!

– no no no please no god no, nevermind i’m fine. Life after an LSD trip. Sarina Freda is both hilarious and wise. I’ve met her only once and have already decided she’ll be the maid of honor at my wedding.

– PALS. Friendship? A camping trip? Crude women? Just hoping I can join the crew!

– Serious Theatre from Serious People. As a former acting school student (cult member), I am so looking forward to this one.

– Weather Girl. Billed as “a dizzying rampage into the soul of American strangeness” with talk of wildfires and prosecco. Um yeah… I need this.

– Yoga with Jillian. Your chakras will align themselves from laughter. A Goop-era necessity.

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EdFringe Talk: SILENCE! The Musical – The Unauthorised Parody of The Silence of the Lambs

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“The huge challenge of Edfringe is probably a big part of what makes it such an amazing and satisfying experience overall.”

WHO: Mark Oxtoby

WHAT: “SILENCE! The Musical is the unauthorised musical parody of the Academy Award-winning film The Silence of the Lambs. As rookie FBI agent Clarice matches wits with the brilliant but insane Dr Hannibal Lecter to catch the serial killer known only as Buffalo Bill, a chorus of singing lambs breaks out into show tunes about the most horrific of subjects. Complete with singing serial killers, songs with unprintable titles and a chorus of lambs, SILENCE! the Musical comes charging at you with gleefully unstoppable bad taste.”

WHERE: Underbelly, Bristo Square – Cowbarn (Venue 302) 

WHEN: 23:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

First time at the Festival and honestly, I cannot wait to soak up the atmosphere and experience so many different forms of entertainment in one place. Many moons ago, I tried my hand at stand-up comedy and I even ended up getting paid to do it! But I never quite made it to Edinburgh. So, I’m very excited to finally be getting here and with this awesome production of SILENCE! The Musical at the Underbelly, Bistro Square. N.B Although not the festival, I have actually visited Edinburgh before….and LOVED IT!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I guess you are referring to lessons learned from the 2023 Edinburgh Festival? So can’t really answer that. If not…err….I learned I’m, a year older, the world is mad and my knees hurt.

Tell us about your show.

SILENCE! The Musical, originally started it’s fringe journey in 2005 off-Broadway, as part of the New York International Fringe Festival where it walked away with the ‘Outstanding Musical’ Award. With music & lyrics by the stupendous John & Al Kaplan and a ridiculously funny book by Hunter Bell, it’s produced by the brilliant – Paul Taylor-Mills, who is always at the forefront of fantastic and exciting new theatre, along with the equally brilliant – Victoria Lang, who has just won the Tony Award for her production of Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway. And if all of that wasn’t enough… our wonderful director and choreographer is the fabulous Christopher Gattelli, whose previous work includes the Wonka movie – starring Timothée Chalamet; Shimgadoon! on Apple TV+ and arriving on Broadway (NYC) later this year – Death Becomes Her – The Musical! Incredible right?! So, the cast… Wow! Let me tell you about the cast… It’s made up of an ensemble cast of 10 people – all of whom had to do a lot of jumping, through a lot of hoops for their various roles and let me tell you, they are all just AMAZING! Hysterically funny, brilliant vocals… I could go on. I’m sure they’d all like me too?!

Anyway, this 2024 production, will start it’s run at the Norwich Theatre Playhouse 24-27 July and after the Edinburgh Festival, it runs at the Turbine Theatre in London from 4th -28th Sept 2024.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Our audiences should try and see as much as they can, but for starters, my top tips would be to start with two of the Fringe’s most anticipated parody musicals: I Wish You Well- The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski Trial Musical which stars the fabulous Diana Vickers and looks hysterical; and Come Dine With Me: The Musical which you can’t miss. The wonderful ventriloquist Nina Conti will be at the Fringe with her show Whose Face is it Anyway, and The Last Laugh has such a stacked cast and production team that it is definitely a must-see.

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EdFringe Talk: Baby Shark and Tails of the Seven Seas

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“Being able to attend a circus show, and then turn around and walk down the street to an acapella concert makes attending the Fringe one of the highlights of my year!”

WHO: Christopher Vuk

WHAT: “Join Fiddlefox and Baby Shark as they travel to different lands around the world seeking a lost friend, while experiencing the sights and sounds of each culture represented in a multimedia format with live music, animated video, magic and story.”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter House – Dram (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 10:20 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

As an international performer, having collaborated with Sesame Street, John Mayer, Paul Simon, Riverdance, Celtic Woman, and others, I am thrilled to bring an original, choose-your-own-adventure, theatrical performance for children to the Fringe! I first attended the Fringe in 2017 (by accident, having no idea the what or when the Fringe was when I arrived), and fondly remember it as the most wonderful artistic event I’ve ever attended. The sheer scale and variety of the festival absolutely blew my mind, and this year I believe our all ages show is something unique from anything else at the Fringe! Being able to attend a circus show, and then turn around and walk down the street to an acapella concert makes attending the Fringe one of the highlights of my year!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

My 2023 tour was largely inspired by a David Copperfield magic show that I attended with my 8 year old son in Las Vegas. Despite the incredible magic that David presented, I was struck by the way he told his personal story, and was so engaged by how story could transform a large scale event into something that felt intimate and meaningful. This is something that I have taken to heart, and attempt to do through each of my shows, giving the audience moments of meaningful connection throughout the performance.

Tell us about your show.

Baby Shark and Tails of the Seven Seas is an immersive musical experience designed for children ages 1-10 as they travel to different lands around the world seeking a lost friend, while experiencing the sights and sounds of each culture through song, magic, and story. Written and produced by Christopher Vuk, founder of the Boston String Quartet, the show will be premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe, followed by the Edmonton Fringe, followed by an International Tour in 2025.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

If you’ve seen our show, then I recommend the Abracadabra Family Friendly Magic Show. My children and I attended one of their performances years ago, and loved the energy that they bring to the stage, the assortment of clever magic tricks, and the way that they are able to engage the audience and involve them in the performance.

A new show that I’m excited to attend this year is “The Smeds and The Smoos”. As a fan of the modern classic children’s tales The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, this new show promises to bring the much loved tale of star-crossed aliens to the stage.

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EdFringe Talk: Party Girl

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“We are so excited to experience the big crowds, excitement and cobblestones for ourselves – it’s a dream come true!”

WHO: Lily Hayman

WHAT: “Fairy Sprinkles isn’t your average fairy… In this award winning rock’n’roll monologue from Lucy Heffernan, all the glitzy hell of a kid’s birthday party explodes out on stage to rip apart class, challenge traditional feminine behaviour and explore the impact of mental illness on family. Telling stories from Heffernan’s time as a Party Fairy, and featuring five original rock songs – don’t miss this intimate, funny and deeply moving work. Winner: 2023 Adelaide Fringe Weekly Award for Best Theatre / Physical Theatre.”

WHERE: Summerhall – Cairns Lecture Theatre (Venue 26) 

WHEN: 21:20 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is our first time to Europe at all!! So we are stoked that we are spending our first Euro Summer at Edinburgh Fringe! We are so excited to experience the big crowds, excitement and cobblestones for ourselves – it’s a dream come true!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

We’ve learned so much about how this industry and all the behind the scenes work that goes into big trips like this. Everything is about relationships, and forming genuine connections with other people – whether that’s your audience, a fellow producer, or someone who can take your work to a new place. If you make that connection – the rest comes when it’s time.

Tell us about your show.

Party Girl is a rock n’ roll monologue with a whole lot of heart! Written and performed by the incredible Lucy Heffernan it’s the story of a Saturday in the life of a kids birthday party entertainer – Fairy Sprinkles. She walks on stage and slams out a rock and roll cord and we strap in for a rollercoaster ride of glitzy horrible kids, stuck up yummy mummies, hot dads and a bit of real magic along the way. You see… Fairy Sprinkles is busy today – she’s got 3 back to back parties all over Sydney, and her mum (who lives with Bipolar) needs her support.

Our show is all about class, family and finding things to believe in when you’ve lost the magic. It’s also a very real story about Mental Health and the impacts it can have on a family. Featuring banging original rock songs, and a unicorn rap to jam to – we cannot wait to bring the Party to Summerhall this year. We’ve performed it at Adelaide Fringe the last two years, and even won an award for Best Theatre there!! We’ve also had runs in Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle. Now we’re leaving the nest and getting ready for our biggest flight yet – to Edinburgh! Fairy Sprinkles will have tired wings by the time we get there for sure…

The show is produced by Purple Tape Productions, an up and coming theatre company in Sydney who make bold, new, female led works for stage. We all met at the University of Wollongong, and Party Girl coming to Edinburgh feels like the culmination of eight years of knowing and growing together!

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

If you’re looking for something totally hilarious – our good friend Anna Dooley is bringing ‘ENDHOE” her hilarious hour about her very real experiences with Endometriosis. Another one for the ladies (but also for everyone!) it’s an absolute riot. Go see it!!

We’re also super keen to see fellow Aussies Siren Theatre Co in ‘Plenty of Fish in the Sea’ which is a bizarre French Absurdist movement work that’s taken Sydney by storm the last two years!! Top tip – it’s totally unique and absolutely fabulous.

Last one is we are fangirling about The Tin Can Bros doing ‘Solve it Squad!’ this year at Assembly for EdFringe. We will be booking our seats and seeing it (maybe more than once!!). We started making theatre because we loves Starkid and the Tin Can Bros! So seeing them in person is a dream come true! Highly recommended.

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EdFringe Talk: The Sound Inside

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“When I’m at the festival just as an audience member, it’s marvellously relaxing – no pressure other than to cram in as many shows and hear the word on the street about what the hot shows are. When you’re producing, it’s a different story.”

WHO: Pádraig Cusack

WHAT: “UK premiere. Nominated for six Tony Awards including Best Play. Cast: Madeleine Potter and Eric Sirakian. Director: Matt Wilkinson. A solitary Ivy League creative writing professor is captivated by a brilliant, rebellious freshman student. Delicate, provocative, bursting with wit – so begins the story of two outsiders on the threshold of breaking of an indelible taboo. And when the darkest of favours is requested, the stage is set: The Sound Inside drives inexorably towards a climax filled with mystery, beauty and the ultimate declaration of love. ‘A gripping small-scale mystery… subliminal, sublime.’ (New York Times).”

WHERE: Traverse Theatre – Traverse 1 (Venue 15) 

WHEN: Varies (80 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve made many visits to Edinburgh and most of them have been during the festival season so there’s a wonderful familiarity about the city, helped of course by that warm Celtic welcome that an Irishman like me loves. In recent years, most of my theatre productions have been at the Traverse Theatre – shows like Psychodrama and A Girl is a Half-formed Thing and we’ve packed out with wonderful audiences. I also did an epic 3-show production of The James Plays for National Theatre Scotland and National Theatre (London) at the Festival Theatre and that was a real buzz too. I love the mix of audiences during the festival season – young and old, local and travellers, all sitting cheek by jowl, egging us on to deliver a thrilling show. It’s really unique. You don’t find that in London or New York to anything like the same degree! What’s especially wonderful about Edfringe is meeting up with old friends and colleagues and making new ones – you almost meet someone on every corner, dipping in for a quick coffee and then a mad dash to catch the next show.

When I’m at the festival just as an audience member, it’s marvellously relaxing – no pressure other than to cram in as many shows and hear the word on the street about what the hot shows are. When you’re producing, it’s a different story. You’re constantly looking at sales figures, checking in on your actors to make sure they’re well-rested and scouting for any opportunities that might give the show a further life after Edfringe ends. And when it all comes together, the final day is a joyous sense of relief and achievement!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve been in this theatre-making game a long time and I’m constantly reminded, even more so now, to HOLD YOUR NERVE. It’s not over until the fat lady sings and this year that’s not happening until 25 August, so reminding myself to believe in my gut instinct is essential. And that was my response, on hearing this play for the first time about a year ago, that it’s a cracking bit of writing and needs to be seen at Edfringe. It’s quietly reassuring that it was a hit on Broadway in 2019, with a ton of Tony nominations to boot, so hopefully Edinburgh audiences will be equally enthused and enthralled.

Tell us about your show.

The Sound Inside is by the American playwright and novelist Adam Rapp. He’s got a huge reputation over in the US having won numerous awards and been shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize. This side of the Atlantic, he’s not so well-known….but we’re hoping to change that. The play itself is a riveting two-hander – a 50-something creative writing professor at Yale, Bella, and her young maverick hugely talented student, Christopher. In their own separate ways, they are outsiders – lonely. And there is a real meeting of minds sparked by their passion for literature and their own writing. It’s a feisty and, at times, very funny relationship, that really engages you as the unexpected story reveals itself. It has a few twists and turns that makes it a bit of a page-turner. And our two wonderful actors, Madeleine Potter of Merchant Ivory movie success, and Eric Sirakian, fresh from triumphs in the West End and Broadway, make for a real dynamic and sparing duo. If you like psychological thrillers, peppered with wit and humour, then it’s one for you.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

I’m really looking forward to seeing David Cromer’s production of I’m Almost There at Summerhall, (@ChescMood) – Cromer is a brilliant, detailed director and all his work always surprises and engages me big time. And also a very physical production, Angry Snatch: A Reclamation Job in 15 Rounds, set in a boxing ring is on my hit list! I want to see what they do using such a different setting. (@frankiewalkerarts). At Traverse I want to see Douglas Maxwell’s new play So Young about a group of friends who get together for an evening which includes introducing a new girlfriend. It’s bound to go wrong somehow – we’ve all been there! (@TraverseTheatre) Needless to say, I’ll be on the prowl for other hot tips too once I’m on the ground in Edinburgh. Can’t wait!!

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